NINE-YEAR-OLD FROM PRNJAVOR FULFILLS HIS DREAM WITH REAL MADRID INVITE

Aleksandar Stojaković, a nine-year-old boy from Prnjavor, has achieved a dream many children only fantasize about – he was selected among the top 3% of participants at a football camp led by Real Madrid coaches and has received an invitation to train in Madrid.

PHOTO: Aleksandar Stojaković

At the end of August, Aleksandar will travel to the Spanish capital for a seven-day stay at the prestigious Real Madrid Foundation training center, where he will train and play with his peers under the watchful eyes of elite coaches and scouts.

Aleksandar has been playing football for more than three years with FK Ljubić and also attends sessions at the private football school Kognitiv+. However, he credits his progress most of all to the unwavering daily support of his family – especially his father Nemanja, who trains with him outside of the official sessions.

"I was overjoyed when I heard I was going to Madrid. I still can't believe it," Aleksandar said, adding that his favorite memory is winning the 3×3 tournament in Prnjavor with an older team and taking home a gold medal.

Aleksandar trains five times a week – three times with his club and two in the extra program – and works with his father every day at home. He particularly enjoys dribbling and shooting. His football idol? Luka Modrić.

"I hope to learn new dribbling skills, play against kids from Real, and watch a match at Santiago Bernabéu. I’m excited about everything!" said Aleksandar, who still hasn't even had time to tell all his friends about the trip to Spain.

His father Nemanja shared that Aleksandar showed exceptional coordination and a powerful shot even at the age of four, prompting him to enroll his son in a club when he turned six.

"Trainers quickly noticed he was ready for tougher competition and moved him to play with the 2014 generation, which helped accelerate his development. I signed him up for the camp out of curiosity – and now he's heading to Madrid!" Nemanja told Prnjavorinfo.com.

The camp lasted five days and was led by licensed Real Madrid coaches. The selection of top players was overseen by David Hernandez, the head coach of Real Madrid’s junior academy. Aleksandar was chosen as a representative of the 2015 generation.

"I watched the training sessions and had a feeling he might be selected, but the competition was huge with kids from all over. This is a big achievement for him and our entire family."

Coaches from both FK Ljubić and Kognitiv+, where Aleksandar trains regularly, expressed their pride in one of their own being invited to the world’s most decorated football club.

"Aleksandar is hardworking, motivated, and mentally mature for his age. He stands out with his technical skills and dedication. When the opportunity came to move him to an older age group, we fully supported it because it was clear it would help him progress faster," said coaches from both clubs.

They emphasize that the Madrid camp will offer him valuable experience and a broader understanding of football – but above all, they hope he continues to enjoy the game.

"We believe in him. If he keeps up this pace, he has the potential for a serious step forward in professional football."

During his time in Madrid, Aleksandar will train, play matches against Real’s youth players, and be evaluated by coaches and scouts. His performance will be recorded in the club’s official database – the first step in potential long-term tracking and perhaps even a return to the camp in the future.

This young boy from Prnjavor already has the heart of a fighter. Whether he’ll one day wear the iconic white jersey of Real Madrid remains to be seen. But for now, Aleksandar has a clear message: “I love football and I’ll give it my all!”